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i) Students
Religious Education is a core
subject in all schools in Scotland . It provides
opportunities for students to study and reflect
upon aspects of religion and faith and so clarify
their own values and beliefs in life. In the Catholic
school this process takes place within the context
of Catholic belief where the possibility of developing
a personal faith in God is proposed to students.
The fact that such a possibility is proposed,
but not imposed , indicates that Religious
Education in the Catholic school is a two-way
process, essentially a dialogue between teacher
and student. In this dialogue the contribution
of the student is vital. “Our young people are
not only the focus for support provided by the
partnership of home, school and parish: they are
active participants in their own journey of faith”
(‘The Catholic School in Scotland ’: Catholic
Education Commission, 2001). Hence, students should
be encouraged:
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to take
ownership of their involvement in Religious
Education rather than see it as something
imposed by others, parents, teachers or
clergy. |
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to realise that the
more they contribute to the dialogue, the
more they will benefit, whether they are
practising Catholics or not. |
This will be true in the Religious
Education class; but also in relation to aspects
of Religious Observance, particularly religious
Assemblies and liturgical and sacramental celebrations.
With sensitivity and respect teachers should make
every effort to involve all students, including
those who are not Catholic or are non-practising,
in both the preparation and celebration of such
events. |
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